Sandra Capo advocates for S 536 to improve handling of spoiled ballots

A critical discussion on election integrity took center stage at the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Election Laws meeting on June 17, 2025, as lawmakers examined Senate Bill 536, aimed at improving accountability for defective and spoiled ballots. Sandra Capo, a key witness, recounted a troubling incident from the 2022 election in Raleigh, where a new town clerk mistakenly spoiled numerous mail-in ballots, leading to a narrow election outcome decided by just four votes.

Capo detailed how, during a recount, only five of the improperly spoiled ballots were counted, allowing candidate Kristen Kastner to win by a single vote. This situation raised serious concerns about the disenfranchisement of voters, as many legal ballots went uncounted. Capo emphasized the need for reform, stating, “We cannot change past election outcomes, but we can certainly try to make sure this kind of travesty doesn't happen again.”

Senate Bill 536 proposes that all spoiled ballots be documented, including the reasons for their status, and made available for public inspection. This measure aims to enhance transparency and ensure that mistakes like those in the 2022 election do not recur. Capo argued that if such documentation had been in place previously, it would have facilitated the identification and counting of improperly spoiled ballots.

The meeting also featured discussions on the broader implications of election laws, with Emma Chinman from Partners in Democracy advocating for multiple bills to strengthen electoral governance. As the committee continues to deliberate, the focus remains on ensuring that every vote counts and that the electoral process is fair and transparent for all Massachusetts residents.